Best WGN Plus Podcasts (2026)

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Booth 46: Episode 12 – The amazing careers of Chicago musicians Mark and Anne Burnell

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3h ago

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Mark and Anne Burnell have been making music and performing together in Chicago for more than 30 years. From the heart of Chicago at Petterino’s, they joined Steve Dale on the Booth 46 podcast to talk about their legendary careers, how they met, and oh yeah…Mark playing his keyboard while having brain surgery. You should just hit play on this episo…

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Whisky Advocate Top 20 of 2025 47:45

5h ago47:45

47:45

Every year, we're seeing more bottles from Whisky Advocate's Top 20 hit our shelves. Throughout the year these bottles come and go, and this year is no different. The Whiskey Hotline grabbed five from the list to sample, and they'll countdown the entire list. Lochlea Fallow Edition Lowland Single Malt Lux Row Small Batch Bourbon PX Sherry Finish Gl…

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102nd Chicago Bar Association’s Christmas Spirits plays Jan 7, 9-10 at the Studebaker Theater

17h ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OchM1WvloYI?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] For over 100 years, a group of lawyers and judges leave the courtrooms behind and take the stage to present classic parody in music, song and skit looking at the events of the day in a…

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When is a cough more than a cold?

21h ago

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Regional Medical Director at Northwestern Immediate Care Dr. Sindhu Aderson joins Steve Dale with some tips for staying healthy in 2026 and advise about how to avoid injuries or worse in cold weather. https://serve.castfire.com/s:northwestern_medicine_KEiLn/audio/7884944/7884944_2026-01-01-180244.64kmono.mp3 Recent posts Health When is a cough more…

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2026 set to be incredible year for Chicago’s renowned theater scene

22h ago

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The Director of Marketing for The League of Chicago Theaters Alexis Davis joins Steve Dale (in for Bob Sirott) to preview a wonderful 2026 ahead for theater in Chicago and some of the highlights from 2025. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7884930/7884930_2026-01-01-180830.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Steve Dale’s Other World Booth 46: Chicago musicians…

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‘Do things for the whole city, not just yourself’ hopes 32nd Ward Ald. Waguespack for Mayor in ’26

1d ago

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Ald. Scott Waguespack offers up some resolutions for Chicago and its mayor in his discussion with Steve Dale (in for Bob Sirott). The 32nd Ward alderman also talks about his want for better a working relationship between Mayor Brandon Johnson and the City Council in 2026. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7884917/7884917_2026-01-01-180417.64kmono.mp…

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Mayor Brandon Johnson offers up some New Year’s resolutions for the City Council

22h ago

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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson joins Steve Dale (in for Bob Sirott) to discuss what he is looking forward to 2026 and how he hopes to work with the City Council to better the city. The Mayor also offers up some New Year’s resolutions for himself and the city’s alders. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7884904/7884904_2026-01-01-172404.64kmono.mp3 Rec…

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Geoffrey Mark talks about being there when John Lennon was killed

22h ago

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Emmy Award-winning writer and author Geoffrey Mark joins Steve Dale (in for Bob Sirott) to talk about his experience witnessing the assassination of John Lennon and how Lennon’s son consoled over the guilt he endured and the helplessness he felt in that frightening moment. Steve and Mr. Mark also talks about his friendship with Rob Reiner and Geoff…

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Say goodbye to 2025 with Johnnie and Steve!

4h ago

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Johnnie Putman and Steve King bid adieu to 2025 with two of their favorite things: family and some good old fashioned, hometown rock & roll! Kicking off the show is the Crispen family, including Joseph and his parents Patrick and Christine! Patrick wraps up the year with some tech news including some computer chip woes for consumers in favor of AI,…

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The Mincing Rascals 12.30.25: U.S. and Chicago politics, Bears stadium progress in 2026

18h ago

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The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, recently retired newsman Steve Bertrand, and political pundit Marj Halperin! The group kicks things off with a wide-ranging discussion on American politics, President Trump’s recent actions, public perception of the economy, and why many vot…

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Chicago Way w/John Kass: Like frogs in a pot, happy New Year

16h ago

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Chicago Way w/John Kass (12/30/25): Happy New Year from the Chicago Way. John Kass & Jeff Carlin look at the end of the year and who might be eligible for the first-ever Moutza of the Year. Obvious contenders are Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, but what about the scient…

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‘Elton Jim’ pays tribute to Rob Reiner — the ‘nepo baby’ who made good

13h ago

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In this 501st episode of “Elton Jim” Turano’s “CAPTAIN POD-TASTIC,” Jim Turano pays tribute to Rob Reiner — the “nepo baby” who made good. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7880530/Elton_Jim_s_Captain_Pod-tastic_Episode_501_2025-12-30-154130.64kmono.mp3 More from Elton Jim Elton Jim s Captain Pod-tastic ‘Elton Jim’ pays tribute to Rob Reiner .cls-7{…

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Phantom of the Opera mesmerizes through February 1st at Cadillac Palace

4d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NLi-rjM8cM?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Cameron Mackintosh’s new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical “the Phantom of the Opera brings back the show’s original design and production. The classic music and st…

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Binny's Buyers' Picks 2025 pt. 2 30:44

14h ago30:44

30:44

We're back with part two of Binny's Buyers' Picks for 2025. Jeff M. – Spirits Buyer Cutwater Spirits Margarita Variety (seasonal) Old Fitzgerald 7-Year-Old Bottled-in-Bond Kentucky Straight Bourbon Kyle F – Beer Buyer Yuengling Traditional Lager Mark S – Wine Buyer Casa Lapostolle Clos Apalta 2021 Barb H – Wine Buyer Chateau Doisy Daene Barsac 2022…

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Chicago Way w/John Kass: O Holy Night

6d ago

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Chicago Way w/John Kass (12/24/25): Merry Christmas, Kyrie Elaison. John Kass reads ‘O Holy Night,’ his annual Christmas column. Blessings to all! Check out more from Kass at JohnKassNews.com or contact me at [email protected], or Facebook, or on X (Twitter). Tell your friends about us. Join the great adventure. Subscribe today! https://serve.c…

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The Mincing Rascals 12.23.25: The Trump Administration, 60 Minutes and Chicago Bears’ threat to relocate

7d ago

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The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, recently retired newsman Steve Bertrand, and multi-media journalist Brandon Pope, author of Brandon Pope’s Screening Room. The Rascals open the podcast with Steve Bertrand’s return to the panel and have a candid discussion about what it’s li…

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Amadeus runs at Steppenwolf through January 25th

11d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5JAAutuEkI?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Amadeus is a powerful, intense theatrical experience and exactly the kind of play Steppenwolf is meant to perform! It is an unforgettable and breathtaking production; you have until Ja…

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Getting to Yes, And… | Ranjay Gulati – ‘The Science of Courage’

2d ago

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Kelly welcomes Harvard professor Ranjay Gulati back to the podcast to discuss his new book, “How to Be Bold: The Surprising Science of Everyday Courage.” https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7857976/7857976_2025-12-14-224716.64kmono.mp3 “Courage is a learned behavior, not an innate one.” “Heroes seldom act alone.” “Sometimes, frankly, we take confidenc…

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‘Elton Jim’ reflects on how he reached his 500th podcast episode!

9d ago

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In this 500th episode of “Elton Jim” Turano’s “CAPTAIN POD-TASTIC,” Jim Turano reflects on how he reached his 500th podcast episode! https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7869673/Elton_Jim_s_Captain_Pod-tastic_Episode_500_2025-12-21-213213.64kmono.mp3 More from Elton Jim Elton Jim s Captain Pod-tastic ‘Elton Jim’ pays tribute to Rob Reiner .cls-7{fill:#…

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Chicago Way w/John Kass: A Christmas soup debate

12d ago

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Chicago Way w/John Kass (12/19/25): Greetings, good tidings, and cheer from John Kass & Jeff Carlin at The Chicago Way podcast. In this last collab before the traditional Christmas column reading, John sets the table for a Kass family soup competition. Plus, Kasso shares the story of our dearly departed Zeus the Wonderdog enjoying too much cheer! C…

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Binny's Buyers' Picks 2025 pt. 1 30:44

10d ago30:44

30:44

The end of the year means a chance to welcome Binny's expert team of wine, spirits and beer buyers. They try thousands of things every year, but what is their pick of the year? Bill N. – Wine Buyer Uccelliera Rosso di Montalcino 2023 Uccelliera Brunello di Montalcino 2020 Jack S. – Cigar Buyer Cohiba Rubicon Four Star Society The Architekt Tübr Gor…

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Booth 46: Episode 11 – Hilarity and mayhem ensue with Drunk Shakespeare

16d ago

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Set in a hidden library speakeasy at The Lion Theatre, in the heart of the Chicago Loop (182 N. Wabash Ave.), five Shakespeare-loving actors meet to perform one of their favorite shows…and one of them takes several shots right off the top. From Petterino’s in Chicago, Steve Dale is joined by actors Mo Reilly and Benjamin Jenkins on the Booth 46 Pod…

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Allred on Epstein survivors, Weissbart on Nick Reiner’s inheritance, Favre on Tucker’s custody battle, Fretzin on podcasts as a growth strategy, and much more

7d ago

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Renowned American civil rights and women’s rights attorney Gloria Allred joins Legal Face-Off to discuss the latest with Jeffrey Epstein’s survivors. BlankRome Co-Chair of the Tax Benefits and Private Client Practice Sean Weissbart discusses Nick Reiner’s inheritance. Michigan State University College of Law Professor David S. Favre joins Rich and …

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Getting to Yes, And… | Nick Digilio – ‘A Love Letter to Chicago and the Movies’

7d ago

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Kelly connects with longtime film critic Nick Digilio to talk about his new book “40 Years, 40 Films.” They discuss growing up in Chicago, falling in love with movies, and Nick’s start at WGN Radio on the Roy Leonard Show. Then they dig into some of Nick’s favorite movies, such as Albert Brooks’ “Lost in America” and Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Magnoli…

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The Mincing Rascals 12.17.25: Bovino returns, budget battle, Rob Reiner

13d ago

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The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and the The Last Ward, and political pundit Marj Halperin! This week the Rascals begin the podcast talking about Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino returning to the Chicago area. The …

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Getting to Yes, And.. | Goldie Chan – ‘Personal Branding for Introverts’

9d ago

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In this engaging conversation, Goldie Chan, a brand and storytelling expert, discusses the nuances of introversion, personal branding, and the dynamics between introverts and extroverts. She shares insights from her new book, ‘Personal Branding for Introverts,’ and emphasizes the importance of networking, small talk, and setting expectations in pro…

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Relive the ’70s with Steve and Johnnie!

19d ago

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There were many eras of music that were memorable, but if you ask Steve King and Johnnie Putman, they’ll tell you that the 1970s in Chicago were the best for concerts and they have two guys who may agree! The show kicks off with a frosty weather forecast from WGN-TV Meteorologist Mike Jansen as Christmas fast approaches. The two guys mentioned abov…

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Urinetown the Musical runs at Theo through January 4th

19d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx3Y0LdKWdg?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Urinetown the Musical premiered off-Broadway in 2001 and was so successful that it transferred to Broadway later that year. And it’s been playing ever since throughout the country and …

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Chicago Way w/John Kass: A funeral for a friend and the city’s finances

19d ago

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Chicago Way w/John Kass (12/15/25): Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center at the Illinois Policy Institute, join John Kass & Jeff Carlin with a look at just how badly Mayor Brandon Johnson has managed Chicago’s finances and the inane ideas the Mayor has come up with to fill a nearly $1.2 billion budget gap for 2026, like a co…

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‘Elton Jim’ shaves off his goatee and doesn’t recognize the man in the mirror

16d ago

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In this 499th episode of “Elton Jim” Turano’s “CAPTAIN POD-TASTIC,” Jim Turano shaves off his goatee and doesn’t recognize the man in the mirror. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7840913/Elton_Jim_s_Captain_Pod-tastic_Episode_499_2025-12-03-180813.64kmono.mp3 More from Elton Jim Elton Jim s Captain Pod-tastic ‘Elton Jim’ pays tribute to Rob Reiner …

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Master Blender Stephanie Macleod 1:01:34

15d ago1:01:34

1:01:34

Stephanie Macleod is the Master Blender of Scotch Whiskey for Bacardi, and this week we're talking to her about her history with Bacardi and the innovations at Dewar's and Aberfeldy. Dewar's 12-Year-Old Double Aged Scotch Dewar's Double Double 21-Year-Old Ruby Marsala Cask Finished Binny's Handpicked Aberfeldy 15-Year-Old Single Malt Finished in Bo…

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The Mincing Rascals 12.11.25: Budget drama, robot delivery, Madigan seeks pardon

19d ago

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The Mincing Rascals this week are Jon Hansen of WGN Radio and Block Club Chicago, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and author of the The Last Ward, and multi-media journalist Brandon Pope, author of Brandon Pope’s Screening Room. The ‘kids table’ Rascals begin the podcast by breaking down the last drama surrounding the C…

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Getting to Yes, And… | Daniel Moreno – ‘Chicago’s Holiday Train’

14d ago

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Kelly talks to Venezuelan-born, Chicago-based photographer Daniel Moreno about his new book of photographs of Chicago’s legendary Holiday Train. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7852900/7852900_2025-12-11-020100.64kmono.mp3 “To me, the Holiday Train is more than a seasonal spectacle; it’s a train of light.” “I’ve felt the collective joy of stranger…

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Car news with Johnnie, Steve and Tom!

21d ago

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Johnnie Putman and Steve King are in for a super short show featuring our favorite car guru, Tom Appel, whom also happens to be the Publisher of Consumer Guide Automotive and Host of the Car Stuff Podcast to highlight the latest auto industry news, test drives and recalls, including the Trump’s decision to roll back fuel economy standards, which ma…

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Anthony Rapp ‘Home for the Holidays’ Dec 17-20th at Lookingglass Theatre!

24d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVjCDcCq4z0?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] Anthony Rapp is one of Chicago’s Very Own! Born in Chicago, he’s now returned to live here AND perform a holiday cabaret: Anthony Rapp “Home for the Holidays”, a cozy cabaret….December…

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Mincing Rascals update from John Williams

20d ago

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John is on vacation, but provides an update on this week’s podcast recording. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7850287/12-10-25_Mincing_Rascals_Teaser_2025-12-09-212927.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts The Mincing Rascals U.S., Chicago politics, Bears stadium progress in 2026 .cls-7{fill:#fff;fill-rule:evenodd} 60 Minutes and Chicago Bears’ threat to reloc…

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NYT’s Elaine Sciolino and her new book: a love letter to the Louvre

24d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDcTbvZsYH8?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] The Louvre is arguably the world’s most famous art museum, home to some of the most iconic art pieces in history. But there are many things we don’t know about the museum that only a r…

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Uptown Theater: A Chicago treasure that needs to be saved!

24d ago

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[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlHftS_SNKY?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent&w=900&h=507] The Uptown Theatre was one of Chicago’s grand movie palaces! Built in 1925, this 4,300 seat theater was one of the country’s great movie palaces. Its history is related in a new coffee…

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Getting to Yes, And… | Bastian Bergmann – ‘Gaming is Serious Business’

16d ago

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In this conversation, Kelly Leonard interviews Bastion Bergmann, co-founder and COO of Solston, about the significance of play in human experience and its implications for business strategy, particularly in gaming. They discuss how gaming can serve as a powerful tool for engagement and marketing, illustrated by Burberry’s innovative approach to int…

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Chicago Way w/John Kass: Why Pastor Brooks has zero confidence in Mayor Johnson

23d ago

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Chicago Way w/John Kass (12/08/25): Pastor Corey Brooks joins John Kass & Jeff Carlin to discuss how his fundraising effort to walk across the entire United States in a year is going, why he has zero confidence in Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, what former mayor Daley said to him, and where he’s been eating along the journey to raise money for Proj…

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‘Elton Jim’ finds it liberating and humbling to admit, ‘I was wrong!’

26d ago

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In this 498th episode of “Elton Jim” Turano’s “CAPTAIN POD-TASTIC,” Jim Turano finds it liberating and humbling to admit, “I was wrong!” https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7840870/Elton_Jim_s_Captain_Pod-tastic_Episode_498_2025-12-03-182810.64kmono.mp3 More from Elton Jim Elton Jim s Captain Pod-tastic ‘Elton Jim’ pays tribute to Rob Reiner .cls-7{fi…

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Charlie Roumeliotis gives his takes on this Chicago Blackhawks season

26d ago

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We’re talking Blackhawks! Steve Dale suggests that the Chicago Blackhawks are exceeding expectations made by most. Does WGN Radio’s own Charlie Roumeliotis agree? Charlie joins Steve to offer an overview of the season so far. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7846562/7846562_2025-12-07-200902.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Steve Dale’s Other World Booth 4…

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New Year’s Eve celebrations in Chicago

27d ago

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For eight consecutive years, Chicago has been chosen as the best big city in the U.S. Joining Steve Dale, Isaac Reichman from Choose Chicago offers details on how the City is celebrating. Plus, tips on what you might do to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s in the city, from fireworks, parties, dinners, and more! https://serve.castfire.com/audio/78…

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The Great American Dog Show returns to Tinley Park in January

27d ago

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Scott Pfiel, President of the International Kennel Club of Chicago’s Great American Dog Show, joins Steve Dale to talk about the big dog show coming to the Tinley Park Convention Center in January. Plus, the two also discuss the cat show that’s coming with it. To get tickets, visit greatamericandogshow.com. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7846560/…

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League of Chicago Theatres announce their half-price holiday specials

27d ago

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Alexis Davis, Marketing Director for the League of Chicago Theatres, joins Steve Dale to announce their half-price holiday specials, which kick off now and run through December 15. You can see about 50 productions around the Chicago area for half price. For more information on all productions on sale, visit: hottix.org/special-offer-half-price-holi…